Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, was arrested on Tuesday morning, caught up in serious allegations surrounding sex trafficking. This 80-year-old ex-fashion mogul, notorious for his controversial leadership style, has been accused of orchestrated schemes to exploit dozens of young male models.
The FBI's investigation led to Jeffries' arrest at his West Palm Beach, Florida, residence. Alongside him, his romantic partner, Matthew Smith, 61, and business associate James Jacobson, 71, were also taken custody. Jacobson has been described by some sources as having distinct physical features, such as wearing a snakeskin patch over part of his nose, which is reportedly missing.
Federal prosecutors from Brooklyn had initially scheduled a press conference to announce the charges linked to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. The investigation had been underway for some time, driven by disturbing reports of Jeffries allegedly hosting elaborate sex parties to exploit young male models during his long tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch.
These allegations gained traction after a BBC News investigation was published, detailing shocking claims made by multiple victims who asserted they were lured to these extravagant gatherings between 2009 and 2015. Many of the incidents reportedly occurred at Jeffries' upscale New York home and luxury hotels across global fashion hubs.
Following the BBC report, legal action was initiated. A class-action lawsuit filed last year claims over 100 men were victimized, alleging Abercrombie & Fitch overlooked Jeffries' disturbing behavior for years. The lawsuit highlighted stories such as David Bradberry, who recounted how he felt coerced during one of Jeffries' parties at his lavish Hamptons mansion. "I didn’t feel safe to say ‘no’ or ‘I don’t feel comfortable with this’ due to the secluded location and the presence of Jeffries' staff," Bradberry described.
The civil suit has sparked outrage, particularly over claims Jeffries had his team scouting the internet for aspiring models, many of whom unknowingly became victims of sex trafficking. According to the suit, Jeffries was left unchecked for so long due to his influence on Abercrombie & Fitch's profitability, as he was notorious for flaunting his authority.
During the alleged events, prosecutors contend Jacobson served as the middleman, coercing prospective models through humiliations described as “tryouts” before allowing them to attend the so-called sex gatherings hosted by Jeffries and Smith. Rather than being genuine modeling opportunities, they were instead trapped under pressure to comply with sexual demands.
Prosecutors highlighted methods employed to manipulate young men. Victims were allegedly promised modeling opportunities at Abercrombie, but threats were also made to end their careers if they did not comply. They were misled about the true nature of the events, and once seated at the lavish gatherings, models were reportedly required to behave according to the wishes of Jeffries and Smith, often involving degrading actions under duress.
The disturbing details included accounts of models being pressured to consume drugs and alcohol at these events, with some being administered substances to boost their sexual performance without their consent. The indictment mentions strict control measures, including the use of hired security to monitor guests and ensuring attendees signed non-disclosure agreements prohibiting them from discussing what transpired.
Jeffries, who stepped down from his position at Abercrombie & Fitch back in 2014, has long denied these serious accusations. His legal representative, Brian Bieber, stated, "We will respond to the allegations once the indictment is unsealed and develop our statement accordingly — our response will occur within the confines of the courtroom and not through the media." The defense has framed Jeffries' claims as meritless, expressing intent to challenge the allegations through proper legal channels.
Current Abercrombie & Fitch management has kept their comments succinct. Upon hearing the developments, the company expressed being "appalled and disgusted" with the allegations and confirmed they had engaged outside law firms to investigate claims of abuse linked to Jeffries' past.
One attorney for the alleged victims expressed hope stemming from the arrests, stating, "Today marks monumental progress for aspiring male models victimized by Jeffries and his associates. Our fight for justice does not end here. We are committed to holding Abercrombie & Fitch accountable for allowing such abhorrent conduct." The attorney’s statement underlines the broader message of accountability and the hope of systemic change within the modeling and fashion industry.
Overall, the shocking allegations against Jeffries depict the dark side of the glamourous fashion industry, where immense power and influence can sometimes lead to exploitation. With many details yet to unravel, this case promises to shed light on not only the individuals involved but also the culture surrounding the industry at large, prompting serious reflections on ethics and accountability.